U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Divider Arrow National Institutes of Health Divider Arrow NCATS

Details

Stereochemistry ACHIRAL
Molecular Formula C12H13ClN4.ClH
Molecular Weight 285.172
Optical Activity NONE
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 0
E/Z Centers 0
Charge 0

SHOW SMILES / InChI
Structure of PYRIMETHAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE

SMILES

Cl.CCC1=C(C(N)=NC(N)=N1)C2=CC=C(Cl)C=C2

InChI

InChIKey=JZCLIFPQURTYFA-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI=1S/C12H13ClN4.ClH/c1-2-9-10(11(14)17-12(15)16-9)7-3-5-8(13)6-4-7;/h3-6H,2H2,1H3,(H4,14,15,16,17);1H

HIDE SMILES / InChI

Molecular Formula C12H13ClN4
Molecular Weight 248.711
Charge 0
Count
Stereochemistry ACHIRAL
Additional Stereochemistry No
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 0
E/Z Centers 0
Optical Activity NONE

Molecular Formula ClH
Molecular Weight 36.461
Charge 0
Count
Stereochemistry ACHIRAL
Additional Stereochemistry No
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 0
E/Z Centers 0
Optical Activity NONE

Description
Curator's Comment: description was created based on several sources, including https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9554869

Pyrimethamine, sold under the trade name Daraprim, is one of the folic acid antagonists that is used as an antimalarial or with a sulfonamide to treat toxoplasmosis. In addition it was approved in Chemoprophylaxis of Malaria. However, resistance to pyrimethamine is prevalent worldwide. It is not suitable as a prophylactic agent for travelers to most areas. Pyrimethamine is well absorbed with peak levels occurring between 2 to 6 hours following administration. It is eliminated slowly and has a plasma half-life of approximately 96 hours. Pyrimethamine is 87% bound to human plasma proteins. Pyrimethamine acts by selectively inhibiting malarial dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase and the rationale for its therapeutic action is based on the differential requirement between host and parasite for nucleic acid precursors involved in growth. This activity is highly selective against plasmodia and Toxoplasma gondii. Pyrimethamine possesses blood schizonticidal and some tissue schizonticidal activity against malaria parasites of humans. The action of pyrimethamine against Toxoplasma gondii is greatly enhanced when used in conjunction with sulfonamides.

Approval Year

Targets

Targets

Primary TargetPharmacologyConditionPotency
1.5 nM [Ki]
Conditions

Conditions

ConditionModalityTargetsHighest PhaseProduct
Curative
DARAPRIM

Approved Use

Treatment of Toxoplasmosis: DARAPRIM is indicated for the treatment of toxoplasmosis when used conjointly with a sulfonamide, since synergism exists with this combination. Treatment of Acute Malaria: DARAPRIM is also indicated for the treatment of acute malaria. It should not be used alone to treat acute malaria. Fast-acting schizonticides such as chloroquine or quinine are indicated and preferable for the treatment of acute malaria. However, conjoint use of DARAPRIM with a sulfonamide (e.g., sulfadoxine) will initiate transmission control and suppression of susceptible strains of plasmodia. Chemoprophylaxis of Malaria: DARAPRIM is indicated for the chemoprophylaxis of malaria due to susceptible strains of plasmodia. However, resistance to pyrimethamine is prevalent worldwide. It is not suitable as a prophylactic agent for travelers to most areas.

Launch Date

1953
Curative
DARAPRIM

Approved Use

Treatment of Toxoplasmosis: DARAPRIM is indicated for the treatment of toxoplasmosis when used conjointly with a sulfonamide, since synergism exists with this combination. Treatment of Acute Malaria: DARAPRIM is also indicated for the treatment of acute malaria. It should not be used alone to treat acute malaria. Fast-acting schizonticides such as chloroquine or quinine are indicated and preferable for the treatment of acute malaria. However, conjoint use of DARAPRIM with a sulfonamide (e.g., sulfadoxine) will initiate transmission control and suppression of susceptible strains of plasmodia. Chemoprophylaxis of Malaria: DARAPRIM is indicated for the chemoprophylaxis of malaria due to susceptible strains of plasmodia. However, resistance to pyrimethamine is prevalent worldwide. It is not suitable as a prophylactic agent for travelers to most areas.

Launch Date

1953
Preventing
DARAPRIM

Approved Use

Treatment of Toxoplasmosis: DARAPRIM is indicated for the treatment of toxoplasmosis when used conjointly with a sulfonamide, since synergism exists with this combination. Treatment of Acute Malaria: DARAPRIM is also indicated for the treatment of acute malaria. It should not be used alone to treat acute malaria. Fast-acting schizonticides such as chloroquine or quinine are indicated and preferable for the treatment of acute malaria. However, conjoint use of DARAPRIM with a sulfonamide (e.g., sulfadoxine) will initiate transmission control and suppression of susceptible strains of plasmodia. Chemoprophylaxis of Malaria: DARAPRIM is indicated for the chemoprophylaxis of malaria due to susceptible strains of plasmodia. However, resistance to pyrimethamine is prevalent worldwide. It is not suitable as a prophylactic agent for travelers to most areas.

Launch Date

1953
Cmax

Cmax

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
2.059 μg/mL
50 mg 1 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 50 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered: Zidovudine
PYRIMETHAMINE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: UNHEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: UNKNOWN
food status: UNKNOWN
AUC

AUC

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
502.9 μg × h/mL
50 mg 1 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 50 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered: Zidovudine
PYRIMETHAMINE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: UNHEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: UNKNOWN
food status: UNKNOWN
T1/2

T1/2

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
96 h
50 mg single, oral
dose: 50 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
PYRIMETHAMINE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: UNKNOWN
age: ADULT
sex: UNKNOWN
food status: UNKNOWN
190.56 h
50 mg 1 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 50 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered: Zidovudine
PYRIMETHAMINE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: UNHEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: UNKNOWN
food status: UNKNOWN
Funbound

Funbound

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
13%
50 mg single, oral
dose: 50 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered:
PYRIMETHAMINE plasma
Homo sapiens
population: UNKNOWN
age: ADULT
sex: UNKNOWN
food status: UNKNOWN
Doses

Doses

DosePopulationAdverse events​
1.625 g single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 1.625 g
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 1.625 g
Sources:
healthy, 1
Disc. AE: Vomiting, Convulsions...
AEs leading to
discontinuation/dose reduction:
Vomiting
Convulsions (severe)
Cyanosis
Sources:
625 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 625 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 625 mg
Sources:
healthy, 1
Disc. AE: Convulsions, Respiratory failure...
AEs leading to
discontinuation/dose reduction:
Convulsions
Respiratory failure (grade 5)
Sources:
1.2 g single, oral
Overdose
healthy, 2
Disc. AE: Cyanosis, Vomiting...
AEs leading to
discontinuation/dose reduction:
Cyanosis
Vomiting (severe)
Convulsions
Apnoea
Haematemesis
Cardiac failure (grade 5)
Sources:
400 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 400 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 400 mg
Sources:
healthy, 2
Disc. AE: Convulsions, Vomiting...
AEs leading to
discontinuation/dose reduction:
Convulsions (severe)
Vomiting
Cyanosis
Collapse
Sources:
625 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 625 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 625 mg
Sources:
healthy, 3
Disc. AE: Convulsions, Unconsciousness...
AEs leading to
discontinuation/dose reduction:
Convulsions (grade 5)
Unconsciousness (grade 5)
Sources:
300 mg single, oral
Overdose
unhealthy
Disc. AE: Convulsions, Abdominal pain...
AEs leading to
discontinuation/dose reduction:
Convulsions
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting (severe)
Excitability
Respiratory depression (grade 5)
Circulatory collapse (grade 5)
Sources:
75 mg 1 times / day multiple, oral
Recommended
Dose: 75 mg, 1 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 75 mg, 1 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy
Disc. AE: Folate deficiency...
AEs leading to
discontinuation/dose reduction:
Folate deficiency
Sources:
AEs

AEs

AESignificanceDosePopulation
Cyanosis Disc. AE
1.625 g single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 1.625 g
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 1.625 g
Sources:
healthy, 1
Vomiting Disc. AE
1.625 g single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 1.625 g
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 1.625 g
Sources:
healthy, 1
Convulsions severe
Disc. AE
1.625 g single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 1.625 g
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 1.625 g
Sources:
healthy, 1
Convulsions Disc. AE
625 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 625 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 625 mg
Sources:
healthy, 1
Respiratory failure grade 5
Disc. AE
625 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 625 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 625 mg
Sources:
healthy, 1
Apnoea Disc. AE
1.2 g single, oral
Overdose
healthy, 2
Convulsions Disc. AE
1.2 g single, oral
Overdose
healthy, 2
Cyanosis Disc. AE
1.2 g single, oral
Overdose
healthy, 2
Haematemesis Disc. AE
1.2 g single, oral
Overdose
healthy, 2
Cardiac failure grade 5
Disc. AE
1.2 g single, oral
Overdose
healthy, 2
Vomiting severe
Disc. AE
1.2 g single, oral
Overdose
healthy, 2
Collapse Disc. AE
400 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 400 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 400 mg
Sources:
healthy, 2
Cyanosis Disc. AE
400 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 400 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 400 mg
Sources:
healthy, 2
Vomiting Disc. AE
400 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 400 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 400 mg
Sources:
healthy, 2
Convulsions severe
Disc. AE
400 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 400 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 400 mg
Sources:
healthy, 2
Convulsions grade 5
Disc. AE
625 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 625 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 625 mg
Sources:
healthy, 3
Unconsciousness grade 5
Disc. AE
625 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 625 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 625 mg
Sources:
healthy, 3
Abdominal pain Disc. AE
300 mg single, oral
Overdose
unhealthy
Convulsions Disc. AE
300 mg single, oral
Overdose
unhealthy
Excitability Disc. AE
300 mg single, oral
Overdose
unhealthy
Nausea Disc. AE
300 mg single, oral
Overdose
unhealthy
Circulatory collapse grade 5
Disc. AE
300 mg single, oral
Overdose
unhealthy
Respiratory depression grade 5
Disc. AE
300 mg single, oral
Overdose
unhealthy
Vomiting severe
Disc. AE
300 mg single, oral
Overdose
unhealthy
Folate deficiency Disc. AE
75 mg 1 times / day multiple, oral
Recommended
Dose: 75 mg, 1 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 75 mg, 1 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy
Overview

Overview

Drug as perpetrator​

Drug as perpetrator​

TargetModalityActivityMetaboliteClinical evidence
inconclusive [Activation 10 uM]
inconclusive [Activation 39.8107 uM]
inconclusive [Activation 5.0119 uM]
inconclusive [Activation 7.9433 uM]
inconclusive [Activation >10 uM]
no [Activation >10 uM]
no
no
weak [IC50 200.1 uM]
yes [IC50 0.131 uM]
yes [IC50 1.8 uM]
yes [IC50 4.55 uM]
yes [IC50 45.1 uM]
yes
yes
Drug as victim

Drug as victim

TargetModalityActivityMetaboliteClinical evidence
no
PubMed

PubMed

TitleDatePubMed
Antimycobacterial activity of nitrogen heterocycles derivatives: bipyridine derivatives. Part III.
2014-03-03
A new protoberberine alkaloid from Meconopsis simplicifolia (D. Don) Walpers with potent antimalarial activity against a multidrug resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain.
2013-12-12
Male and female Plasmodium falciparum mature gametocytes show different responses to antimalarial drugs.
2013-07
A facile three-component [3+2]-cycloaddition for the regioselective synthesis of highly functionalised dispiropyrrolidines acting as antimycobacterial agents.
2013-03-01
Toxoplasma gondii: the effect of fluconazole combined with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine against acute toxoplasmosis in murine model.
2013-03
Synthesis, characterization and antimalarial activity of quinoline-pyrimidine hybrids.
2013-01-01
In vitro and in vivo characterization of the antimalarial lead compound SSJ-183 in Plasmodium models.
2013
Malarial dihydrofolate reductase as a paradigm for drug development against a resistance-compromised target.
2012-10-16
Palmitate increases the susceptibility of cells to drug-induced toxicity: an in vitro method to identify drugs with potential contraindications in patients with metabolic disease.
2012-10
Identification of a new chemical class of antimalarials.
2012-09-01
Antiplasmodial and analgesic activities of Clausena anisata.
2012-03
Use of the NP-40 detergent-mediated assay in discovery of inhibitors of beta-hematin crystallization.
2011-07
Crystal structure of β-hexosaminidase B in complex with pyrimethamine, a potential pharmacological chaperone.
2011-03-10
Toxoplasma gondii: inhibitory activity and encystation effect of securinine and pyrrolidine derivatives on Toxoplasma growth.
2011-02
Turning science into health solutions: KEMRI's challenges as Kenya's health product pathfinder.
2010-12-13
Images in clinical tropical medicine. Pseudochondritis in leprosy.
2010-12
Evaluation of the effect of pyrimethamine, an anti-malarial drug, on HIV-1 replication.
2010-11
Pyrimethamine induces oxidative stress in Plasmodium yoelii 17XL-infected mice: a novel immunomodulatory mechanism of action for an old antimalarial drug?
2010-11
Multiple-ring enhancing lesions in an immunocompetent adult.
2010-09
Cost effectiveness of seasonal intermittent preventive treatment using amodiaquine & artesunate or sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine in Ghanaian children.
2010-08-17
Cerebellar toxoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS: a case report.
2010-06-15
Structure-activity relationships of carbocyclic 6-benzylthioinosine analogues as subversive substrates of Toxoplasma gondii adenosine kinase.
2010-05-15
Active case detection, treatment of falciparum malaria with combined chloroquine and sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine and vivax malaria with chloroquine and molecular markers of anti-malarial resistance in the Republic of Vanuatu.
2010-04-06
Potent and specific inhibition of mMate1-mediated efflux of type I organic cations in the liver and kidney by pyrimethamine.
2010-04
Original quinazoline derivatives displaying antiplasmodial properties.
2010-02
The human proton-coupled folate transporter (hPCFT): modulation of intestinal expression and function by drugs.
2010-02
Self-reported data: a major tool to assess compliance with anti-malarial combination therapy among children in Senegal.
2009-11-17
Factors related to compliance to anti-malarial drug combination: example of amodiaquine/sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine among children in rural Senegal.
2009-06-04
Antifolate activity of pyrimethamine enhances temozolomide-induced cytotoxicity in melanoma cells.
2009-05
Update on the treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis.
2009
A comparison of vitamin A and leucovorin for the prevention of methotrexate-induced micronuclei production in rat bone marrow.
2008-12
Anti-toxoplasmosis effects of oleuropein isolated from Fraxinus rhychophylla.
2008-12
Changes in malaria indices between 1999 and 2007 in The Gambia: a retrospective analysis.
2008-11-01
HIV, TB, Malaria, Filaria and Kala azar.
2008-10
Pyrimethamine induces apoptosis of melanoma cells via a caspase and cathepsin double-edged mechanism.
2008-07-01
ECVAM retrospective validation of in vitro micronucleus test (MNT).
2008-07
Impact of placental Plasmodium falciparum malaria on pregnancy and perinatal outcome in sub-Saharan Africa: part III: placental malaria, maternal health, and public health.
2008-03
Pyrimethamine treatment does not ameliorate lymphoproliferation or autoimmune disease in MRL/lpr-/- mice or in patients with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome.
2007-12
R2(2)(8) motifs in Aminopyrimidine sulfonate/carboxylate interactions: crystal structures of pyrimethaminium benzenesulfonate monohydrate (2:2:1) and 2-amino-4,6-dimethylpyrimidinium sulfosalicylate dihydrate (4:2:2).
2007-11-13
Suppression of telomerase activity by pyrimethamine: implication to cancer.
2007-10
Age interactions in the development of naturally acquired immunity to Plasmodium falciparum and its clinical presentation.
2007-07-31
Impact of placental Plasmodium falciparum malaria on pregnancy and perinatal outcome in sub-Saharan Africa: I: introduction to placental malaria.
2007-06
[Acute renal failure due to sulfadiazine crystalluria].
2007-05
Pneumocystis carinii dihydrofolate reductase used to screen potential antipneumocystis drugs.
1991-07
Activity of minocycline against Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice.
1991-05
Sulfadiazine-induced crystalluria in AIDS patients with toxoplasma encephalitis.
1991-05
In vitro cultivation of Cryptosporidium parvum and screening for anticryptosporidial drugs.
1990-08
In vivo assessment of antimicrobial agents against Toxoplasma gondii by quantification of parasites in the blood, lungs, and brain of infected mice.
1990-08
Resolution of acute renal failure in toxoplasmic encephalitis despite continuance of sulfadiazine.
1990-07-01
In vitro and in vivo effects of doxycycline on Toxoplasma gondii.
1990-05
Patents

Sample Use Guides

Toxoplasmosis: The adult starting dose is 50 to 75 mg of the drug daily, together with 1 to 4 g daily of a sulfonamide of the sulfapyrimidine type, e.g., sulfadoxine. This dosage is ordinarily continued for 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the response of the patient and tolerance to therapy. The dosage may then be reduced to about one half that previously given for each drug and continued for an additional 4 to 5 weeks. The pediatric dosage of DARAPRIM (PYRIMETHAMINE) is 1 mg/kg/day divided into 2 equal daily doses; after 2 to 4 days this dose may be reduced to one half and continued for approximately 1 month. The usual pediatric sulfonamide dosage is used in conjunction with DARAPRIM. Treatment of Acute Malaria: at a dosage of 25 mg daily for 2 days with a sulfonamide will initiate transmission control and suppression of non-falciparum malaria. The adult dosage for acute malaria is 50 mg for 2 days; children 4 through 10 years old may be given 25 mg daily for 2 days. In any event, clinical cure should be followed by the once-weekly regimen described below for chemoprophylaxis. Regimens which include suppression should be extended through any characteristic periods of early recrudescence and late relapse, i.e., for at least 10 weeks in each case. For Chemoprophylaxis of Malaria: Adults and pediatric patients over 10 years — 25 mg (1 tablet) once weekly. Children 4 through 10 years — 12.5 mg (1/2 tablet) once weekly. Infants and children under 4 years — 6.25 mg (1/4 tablet) once weekly.
Route of Administration: Oral
In Vitro Use Guide
Curator's Comment: The cytotoxic influence of Pyrimethamine on prostate cell line was investigated using an in vitro colometric assay. Cytotoxicity analysis of pyrimethamine revealed a dose-dependent fashion. An apoptotic influence of pyrimethamine was also confirmed by data obtained from TUNEL assay. Dose-dependent inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) was seen in pyrimethamine. A potent inhibitory effect of pyrimethamine was also established by data achieved from TRAPeze telomerase detection kit.
Unknown
Substance Class Chemical
Created
by admin
on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025
Edited
by admin
on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025
Record UNII
FDZ9T27VWT
Record Status Validated (UNII)
Record Version
  • Download
Name Type Language
5-(4-CHLOROPHENYL)-6-ETHYLPYRIMIDINE-2,4-DIAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Preferred Name English
PYRIMETHAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Common Name English
Pyrimethamine hydrochloride [WHO-DD]
Common Name English
Code System Code Type Description
ECHA (EC/EINECS)
242-804-6
Created by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
EVMPD
SUB194105
Created by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
FDA UNII
FDZ9T27VWT
Created by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
SMS_ID
100000178411
Created by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
PUBCHEM
6365291
Created by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
CAS
19085-09-7
Created by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
EPA CompTox
DTXSID80172592
Created by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Wed Apr 02 13:17:07 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
Related Record Type Details
PARENT -> SALT/SOLVATE
Related Record Type Details
ACTIVE MOIETY